FBI to Join Investigation in Police-Involved Shooting - Releases

Contacts:
Traci L. Hughes, MPD (202) 727-4383
Channing Phillips, USAO (202) 514-6933
Debbie Weierman, FBI (202) 278-3519

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier announced today the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is now reviewing evidence in the police-involved shooting death of 14-year-old DeOnte Rawlings.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has turned over the forensics to ensure that the testing of the evidence is beyond reproach. “The technology available to the FBI is the very best. The Bureau’s involvement means that the findings will be entirely independent and will assist in attempting to answer any remaining questions about what happened,” said Chief Lanier. The FBI also has in its possession the minibike recovered in the investigation.

The United States Attorney’s Office is overseeing the joint investigation led by the FBI and assisted by MPD’s Force Investigation Team. "We've put together a veteran, experienced team of investigators and prosecutors who will aggressively and fully investigate the tragic fatal shooting of DeOnte Rawlings," stated U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Taylor. "Quite simply, our goal is to find out exactly what happened, leaving no stone unturned in the process."

“The FBI's Washington Field Office has been asked by the USAO to assist in their investigation of this shooting incident. We pledge our full support and all resources to assist them in their investigation,” said Joseph Persichini, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office.

“With the combined expertise of MPD, FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I am confident that we will continue to uncover critical evidence that will allow us to get the answers the family and the public are demanding in this case,” said Mayor Fenty.

Once the criminal investigation is complete, the MPD will make a final determination as to whether the officers involved violated administrative policies. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at (202) 278-2000 or the MPD at (202) 727-9099.